Rape survivors to get access to free healthcare services – Prof Opoku Agyemang

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to ensure rape survivors are able to access free healthcare services if given the nod.

“We want to implement the strategic plan of action to address gender-based violence by prioritising mental healthcare for gender-based violence.

“Creating a hotline to address gender-based violence, harmonising the law to ensure survivors of gender violence, especially rape survivors are able to access free healthcare services,” the NDC running mate Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang said at the NDC manifesto launch on Monday.

Currently, rape victims pay for medical examinations, a situation some people argue has made it difficult for many poor rape victims to report to the police.

Rape victims in Ghana are required to pay between GHC200 – GHC800 to have their bodies medically examined after allegations of rape are made.

It’s a phenomenon that prevents a lot of rape victims from pursuing justice since they cannot afford the cost of medical examinations.

ALSO READ: I’ll take care of pregnant victim – Accused person tells court

Under the gender programme of the NDC’s 2020 manifesto titled: “People’s Manifesto: Jobs, Prosperity and more,” the party has promised to promulgate an anti-sexual harassment law.

The party also intends to support and empower vulnerable women and victims of socio-cultural practices, including inmates of the witch camps in the northern part of the country, by promoting public education against lynching and accusation of elderly women as witches

They have also promised to collaborate with the traditional authorities and communities to close down the witch camps.

The 2020 manifesto of the NDC also pledges to work towards the attainment of a minimum 30% quota of appointments for women and also facilitate easier access to land for women for their maximum participation in agriculture.

According to the running mate, the party is committed to achieving gender parity in education at all levels, establish a community female mentorship programme and an agency for the protection of street children.

Over the years, there have been several initiatives introduced by the Ghana Police Service to help victims of sexual abuse.

The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, in November last year inaugurated a ‘Crises Response Centre’ at the Police Hospital in Accra for survivors of violence and abuse.

The centre was expected to offer essential services to victims of violent crimes such as physical assault, sexual assault such as rape, defilement or any circumstances which directly affect clients who report to DOVVSU.

Victims who report to the centre were to benefit from the services of doctors, social workers, counsellors, investigators, crime officers, all at a single location.

Although the centre tries to cater for rape victims, the procedural process has proven to be a challenge since last year, with most victims seeking alternative solutions to settle medical bills.

Fast forward to June 2020, versatile actress Yvonne Nelson joined the call to help rape victims.

She demanded for the scrapping of medical examination fees demanded of rape victims.

The outspoken actress started a Twitter crusade to have the charges absorbed by the state.

“Victims of rape, sexual assault and defilement have to pay between 300 – 800 GHS ($45-$160) in Ghana before a medical examination can be done to pursue justice. These fees should be abolished. Pls sign this 🙏🏽” she wrote.

ALSO READ: Shoe shine caught pants down with 10-year-old

                      Man jailed 30 years for impregnating 15-year-old

                      Boyfriend jailed 3 years for sharing girlfriend’s nude